Body of missing Newport man found

Jacques LeBlanc recovered from Lake Memphremagog ice

The body of Jacques LeBlanc, 53, of Newport was found Monday afternoon in Lake Memphremagog. Authorities say LeBlanc's body was recovered near the area where his tractor broke through the ice.

LeBlanc went missing Saturday night; he had been trying to move his ice shanty off the lake with a tractor. Despite the ice being around 18 inches thick, it is believed that LeBlanc then crossed over a pressure crack, where the ice is weaker, and plunged into 25-foot-deep water.

For three days, crews from Vermont State Police and Newport Center Fire Department searched for LeBlanc.

After ending their search Sunday evening, crews went back to the scene Monday morning. Twenty-five crew members, including about 12 divers, searched murky waters for LeBlanc.

Authorities said Monday's weather made the operation especially difficult.

"Hypothermia is a concern. We've taken every precaution to make sure that the divers are able to maintain proper warmth and time in the water," said Lt. Kirk Cooper, commander of the Derby barracks.

LeBlanc's body will be sent to the Vermont chief medical examiner.

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